Trolley section insulator



Nov. 15, 1949 s. s. MATTHES 2,488,307

TROLLEY SECTION INSULATOR Filed May 31, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I I 28 27I /6 Inventor SAMUEL" S mTTi-IEs Attorney Nev. 15, 1949 5.8. MATTHES2,488,307

TROLLEY SECTION INSULATOR Filed May 31, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 InventorSAMWL SmTTHEs Atlorney Patented Nov. 15, 1949 TROLLEY SECTION INSULATORSamuel S. Matthes, Mansfield, Ohio, assignor to The Ohio Brass Company,Mansfield, Ohio, a corporation of New Jersey Application May 31, 1946,Serial No. 673,539

8 Claims.

My invention relates to devices for overhead trolley systems and hasparticular reference to devices for sectionalizing the trolley wire.

One object of my invention is to provide a section insulator for thepurpose stated in which the members for conducting the current collectoracross the device provide a continuous path that is, unbroken by airgaps as with devices in the past. This is of particular importance atthe present day in view of the use of fragile material in the currentcollector.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device in which an arewhich is formed as the current collector crosses the device with currenton will be magnetically blown out or dissipated and this is ofparticular importance because the arc would be formed in contact withthe insulating portion of the said path.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device in which the arcdoes not impinge upon the insulating portion at any point in the device.

Another object of my invention is to provide in a section insulator inwhich the means hold ing the end members in fixed insulated relationhave parallel axes and the axes positioned in a vertical plane withmeans to magnetically blow any formed are downward away from thecontinuous path for the current collector.

These and other objects I attain by means illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a side view of one form of my invention in partial section.

Fig. 2 is a right hand end view of Fig. 1 without the trolley wireholder.

Fig. 3 is a view in partial section on the line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a portion of a modified form of my invention inwhich the balance of the device is as per Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a top View of a portion of Fig. 4 showing the movablecontactor.

Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6-6 of Fig.4.

Fig. 7 is a section taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

In a preferred embodiment of my invention I provide a pair of endmembers I of metal to which metal tips 2 may be secured to receive andhold the adjacent ends of the trolley wire 3.

The end members are held in fixed relation by the tension insulatingmember 4 and the compression insulating member 5. The member 4 isthreaded at each end and each end entered in a threaded socket portion 6and the ends 015 the member '5 being held in place by machine screws I.The longitudinal axes of the members 4 and 5 are parallel and in acommon vertical plane.

Each end member is provided with a U-shaped metal clip 8 having a wearportion 9 contacted by the passing current collector and held to theassociated end member by through bolt II] whereby the clip and endmember are in secure electrical engagement.

Positioned below the member 4 and parallel to and in vertical alignmentwith the members 4 and 5 is a single or continuous guide II ofinsulating material extending between the clips 8 and having its ends I2positioned in and supported by the clips, particularly the wear portion9.

The guide I I is provided with a U-shaped contact member I3 which isspaced from the clip 8 by the insulation II forming the break A. Theguide I I extends through the channel I I in the contact member and thetwo parts secured to.- gether by screws I5.

The contact member I3 is inserted in cut out portions in the guide IIand the wear portion [3 extends along the guide I l with its contactsurface flush with that of the guide.

The lower or wear surfaces of the clip 8 and the contact member I3 andthe guide II and trolley wire 3 are in alignment and constitute anunbroken path for the current collector shoe. The space between themembers 8 and I3 is usually an air gap but I avoid this open space as itis a hazard to the collector shoe using frangible material such ascarbon.

Associated with the device is blow-out means M to create a magnetic fluxat the point B where the shoe passes from the contact I3 unto the guideII and at which point an arc will be formed if the passage is made withcurrent on."

The blow-out M comprises magnetizable core I6 and magnetizable poles l'lheld together by the magnetizable bolt I8. These parts are mounted onthe member 5 by the clamps l9 which grip the member 5 through the mediumof the bolts I8 and 20 and which have arms 2| interposed between thepoles I1 and bolt I8.

The blow-out means M is further supported and braced by the strut 22which is positioned between the member 4 and 5 and has upper and lowerbearing surfaces 23 and 24 respectively curved to that of the members 4and 5 and bosses 25 to which the poles I! are secured by screws 26.

The core I6 is covered by insulation 21 and wound on th insulation isthe coil 28 whereby the adjacent end casting I is connected to thecontact member I3 thereby eliminating any areing at the break A but notat the point B, but as soon as the current collector passes onto thecontact member I3 with current-on then the coil 28 is energized and themagnetizable parts energized and the are at B will be affected by themagnetic flux flowing from one pole to the other pole.

The poles I1 are bowed outward so as to concentrate the flux at thelower ends of the poles which are placed opposite the point B andadjacent thereto, leaving space for the collector shoe to safely passalong the guide.

The coil 28 may be so connected to the endmember I and the contactmember I3 that the arc will be blown either upward or downward.

To protect the poles I! from thefla'me of the arc protecting plates 29of insulating material arev interposed between the poles I1 and thebreak B and also form end plates for the coil 28 and are supportedby thestuds 25. I V

The membersflfand '5 may be made from rod if more desirable; V

. In Fig; 4 aside view of one end portion of the device is shown and thebalance of the device is according ,to the left hand portion of thedevice shown in Fig. 1. "Corresponding parts of Figs. 1 and 4 aredesignated by the same numerals.

In Fig. 4 the contact member I3 of Fig. 1 is replaced by a contactimeans D whereby any arc formed by a passing current collector takesplace between the filangeoi the collector and an easily renewable'pivotally mounted contact lever.

-- .Here the guide or insulated runner II is continuous as in Fig. 1 andsupported by the end members I as in Fig. 1.

The contact means D comprises a U-shaped fixed contactiu which is setinto the member I I so'as to providea smooth passage for the collectorand is secured in place by'the screws I. The fixed contact 55 is spacedfrom the clip 8 and the space filled by a portion I I of the guide II.

V Frojecting outward from one side of the contact 50 and well above itslowerjedge are a pair of spaced lugs 52 (Fig. 7). Pivotally mountedbetween the lugs by means of a pintle 53 is a contact lever 54 withacontact tip 55 whichis en gaged bythe flange of a .passing. currentcollector whereby the contact lever is moved from its normal positionthus assuring electrical engagement-with the current collector withoutobstructing its passage. v a

A spring 55 between the contact 50 and-a longitudinally projectingmember 51 of the lever 54 yieldingly maintains the lever in its norrnalposition against stop 58. a

To maintain dependable electrical connection between the'lever 54 andthecontact 50 a flexible conductor 59 connects thetwo.

Any arc formed betweenthe current collector and the contact lever ;;at55 is acted upon by a magnetic; blow-out means-P a comprising a coil 28wound on an insulated core I6 and supported gromthe member 5 by clamps I9 and bolts I8 and The magnetic pole 60 is brought down to a pointopposite' the contact between the current collector and the lever 54(Fig. 6) so that'the are formed will be well within the influence of themagnetic flux and to'prevent the arc impinging on the pole 60 a shieldBI of insulating material is interposed between the pole and lever. 4The magnetic pole 62- is formed inwardly and 4 downwardly with avertical portion 63 inserted in a cut-out portion 64 of the guide H.This permits bringing the effective ends of the poles closer together.

The poles are in close engagement with the magnetizable bolt I8 at theirupper ends. The coil 28 in Fig. 4 as in Fig. 1 is connected to thecontact means D and to the adjacent end member I.

In some respects the operation of the device of Fig. 4 is like that ofFig. 1. A current collector passes from the trolley wire 3 onto the clip8 and ,then onto the member 50 and in doing so bridges the space'therebetween which is filled with insulation II. Aslthe collectorproceeds it passes entirely onto the member 50 which is connected to theend member I through the coil 28. If now thevehicle is drawing currentthe coil will be energized thus magnetically energizing the poles 6lland 62. As thecollectorproceeds further its flange will engage thelever' -54 and IQIV'ICCQII? outward (Fig. (5) againstthe spring 56 andthe collector will receive current through the lever '56; When thecollector breaks engagement with the lever 54 and if, drawing'current anarc will be formed therebetween which will be dissipated either upwardor downward depending upon the connection of the coilto thev members Iand .50.

The various parts forminga contact path f'or the current collectorpresenta uniform and even surface so as not to injure the frangibleinsert of the collectorwhichmay be of carbon The device of Fig. 4prevents the arcfro forming atthe junction of the ,contactfio andinsulated guide I I as in. Fig. .1 and the lever. 54 .is easily renewedupon removing the pintle 53. It is apparent the pintle 53 may be placedhorizontal instead of vertical in which case the lever 54 will pivotvertically.

My inventions'are intended for use on a trolley system using directcurrent therefore the magnetic flux or linesof force flow in onedirection depending upon the direction of flow of current throughthe-001128.

The contact end 55 of the lever 54 is so shaped that a current collectormay pass across the device in eitherdirection. The contact lever 54 andfixed contact 50 are so proportioned that'the collector flange willengage the lever' before the collector breaks contact with the member50.

It should be noted that there is no air gap or insulated space betweenthe contact or support member 8 and the adjacent end member I. The spaceat A in Figs. 1 and 41s filled with insulation II thereby giving a,smoother and uninterrupted path for the current collector. If howeverall metal collector shoes are used the space A may be an air gap or openspace. I

As there are modifications which will be suggestive by my disclosure andwhich are within the scope of my invention and the appended claims, I donot limit myself to the precise ap lication nor the precise structureand arrangement of elements as shown and described.

I claim: V

1. In a trolley wire section insulator including spaced apart metallicend means and contact means having an end adjacent to one of said meansand defining a gap therewith, electromagnetic means including amagnetizable core to produce a unidirectional flow of magnetic fluxacross the other endiof said contact means, a pair of spaced apartopposed magnetizable pole element'selectrically associatedwith and engag5, me said core, said pole elements being disposed between and spacedapart from said metallic end means, electrical insulating meansinterposed between each of said elements and said other end of thecontact means disposed between said elements, and a coil insulated fromand wound around the core and electrically connected to said adjacentend means and contact means.

2. In a trolley wire section insulator including pac d apart metal i endmeans and c n a means having an end adjacent to one Of said means anddefining a gap. therewith, electromagnetic means including amagnetizable core to produce a unidirectional flow of magnetic'tfluxacross the other end of. said contact means, a pair of spaced apartmagnetizable pol elements electrically associated with and engaging saidcore and having free ends opposed to each other, said pole elementsbeing disposed between and spaced apart from said metallic end means,and support means for said core and pole elements disposed above thecontact means and extending transversely of the section insulator, saidother end of the contact means being disposed between said ends,electrical insulating means interposed between each of said elements andsaid contact means, and a coil insulated from and wound around the coreand electrically connected to said adjacent end means and contact means.

3. In a trolley wire section insulator including spaced apart metallicend means and contact means having an end adjacent to one of said meansand defining a gap therewith, electromagnetic means including amagnetizable core to produce a unidirectional fiow of magnetic fluxacross the other end of said contact means, a pair of spaced apartmagnetizable pole elements electrically associated with said core andhaving free ends disposed at difierent distances from the core, saidother end of the contact means being disposed between said elements andadjacent to the end remotest from said core, electrical insulating meansinterposed between each of said elements and said contact means, and acoil insulated from and wound around the core and electrically connectedto said adjacent end means and contact means.

4. In a trolley wire section insulator including spaced apart metallicend means and contact means having an end adjacent to one of said meansand defining a gap therewith, electromagnetic means including amagnetizable core to produce a unidirectional flow of magnetic fiuxacross the other end of said contact means, a pair of spaced apartmagnetizable pole elements, said pole elements comprising plates bearingagainst and depending from said core and having free, parallel, opposedlower ends and intermediate portions spaced farther apart than saidends, electrical insulating means interposed between each of saidelements and said other end of the contact means disposed between saidfree ends, and a coil insulated from and wound around the core andelectrically connected to said adjacent end means and contact means.

5. In a trolley wire section insulator including spaced apart metallicend means and contact means having an end adjacent to one of said meansand defining a gap therewith, electromagnetic means including amagnetizable core to produce a unidirectional flow of magnetic fiuxacross the other end of said contact means, a pair of spaced apartmagnetizable pole elements electrically associated with said core, saidpole 6" elements having opposed, parallel, free ends and ends engagingthe core and'intermediate portlons bowed outwardly to" concentratemagnetic flux at the said free ends, and said other end of the contactmeans being disposed between said iree ends, electrical insulating meanscomprising plates bearing against opposing surfaces of said free ends,and a coil insulated from and wound around the core and electricallyconnected to said adjacent end means and contact means.

6. In av trolley section insulator comprising a pair of'end members heldin spaced and insulated relation by a pair of elongated members havingspaced parallel axes in a common vertical plane, the combination withend members of guide means for a current collector, the said guide meanscomprising a guide member of insulating material supported by the endmembers and continuous between said end members, a contact member setinto the guide member adjacent" to but spaced from one end member and tobe engaged by a passing current collector, the lower surface of theguide member and contact member forming a smooth continuous unbrokenpath for the current collector, a pair of poles of magnetizable materialpositioned on either side of the contact member and having an endadjacent an end of the contact member where an arc may be formed, a coilpositioned between the other ends of the poles and connectedto thecontact member and to the adjacent end member, the coil positionedbetween the said pair of elongated members with its axis transverselydisposed to the said vertical plane of the said parallel axes, meanssecured to the upper one of said pair of elongated members to supportthe said coil and poles in said positions and a support member extendingbetween the said pair of elongated members and secured to the poles tomaintain the said position of the poles relative to the contact member.

7. A trolley section insulator comprising a pair of end m'embers held inspaced and insulated relation by a pair of spaced and parallel elongatedmembers with longitudinal axes in a common vertical plane, a renewableclip associated with each end member and supported thereby, a bridgingmember of insulating material extending from clip to clip and supportedthereby to guide a current collector, metallic contact means associatedwith the bridging member adjacent to but engageable by a passing currentcollector, the bridging member and clip and contact means having alignedsurfaces providing a smooth continuous uninterrupted path for thecurrent collector, magnetic means comprising a coil electricallyconnecting the contact means to the said one end member and itsassociated clip, a pair of poles of magnetizable metal positioned oneither side of the bridging member with one end of each pole positionedopposite the contact means and the coil positioned between the otherends of the poles whereby the poles are magnetically energized by thecoil thereby extinguishing arcs formed between the contact means and thecurrent collector, clamping means attached to the upper said elongatedmember and magnetizable means extending axially through the coil tosecure the coil to the clamping means and the poles to the coil with thecoil positioned between the said elongated members.

8. A trolley section insulator comprising a pair of end members held infixed relation by a pair of spaced parallel and elongated insulatingmembers positioned one above the other, a bridging member continuousbetween the end members one side of the device to the other side tocontrol the; are formed between the end of the contact meansand thecurrent collector, the said electromagnetic means comprising a coilconnected across said gap tothe contact means and theadjacentgendmembernand pole members of magnetizableymetal, magneticallyenergized by the coil to force the are either upward or downwarddepending upon the direction of energization of the coil, support meanssecured to the upper elongated member to support the coil and polemembers and means to secure the last said means to the core and polemembers whereby the coil is held in a transverse position to and betweenthe said elongated members.

SAMUEL S. MATTHES;

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

. UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1 532,905 Potter Jan. 28, 18951,904,844 Wolf Apr. 18, 1933 2,053,964 Matthes Sept. 8, 1936 2,354,117Hanna July 18, 1944 1. .Man

